Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WOOD
The Natural Choice
Engineered wood products are a good choice for the environment. They are
manufactured for years of trouble-free, dependable use. They help reduce waste
by decreasing disposal costs and product damage. Wood is a renewable resource
that is easily manufactured into a variety of viable products.
Percent of Percent of
Wood products made up 47 percent of all Material Production Energy Use
industrial raw materials manufactured in the Wood 47 4
United States, yet consumed only 4 percent of the Steel 23 48
energy needed to manufacture all industrial raw Aluminum 2 8
materials, according to a 1987 study.
■ Good news for a healthy planet. For every ton of wood grown, a young forest
produces 1.07 tons of oxygen and absorbs 1.47 tons of carbon dioxide.
Wood: It’s the natural choice for the
NOTICE:
environment, for design and for strong,
The recommendations
lasting construction. in this supplement apply
only to products that
ING
SHEATH bear the APA trademark.
RATED
32/1SP6ACING
R
Only products bearing
SIZED FO RE 1 the APA trademark
EXPOSU 0.451 IN.
ESS
THICKN are subject to the
0
00 PRP-108
C-D Association’s quality
PS 1- 09 CATEGORY
15/32 auditing program.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 2
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
P LY W O O D D E S I G N S P E C I F I C A T I O N , S U P P L E M E N T 5 –12
FORE WORD
This publication formerly was issued as APA – The Engineered Wood Association Research Report 124-A, Form D410. It pres-
ents recommended methods for the design and fabrication of staple-glued all-plywood beams. Allowable stresses and
other design criteria for plywood are given in Part 1, and in APA’s PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION. References
are also made to the ANSI/AWC NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION (NDS). Part
2 of this publication covers beam fabrication.
Beam design and fabrication recommendations are based on tests conducted by APA, as described in APA Research
Report 124-A, All-Plywood Beams for Mobile Homes. The tests showed that such beams comply with the structural load
test criteria in the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. These standards and subsequent
amendments are published in the FEDERAL REGISTER by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
and include procedures and criteria for conducting and evaluating structural load tests on assemblies, such as all-
plywood beams. Information in this PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION Supplement applies to untreated plywood
made in accordance with the latest edition of Voluntary Product Standards PS 1-09, Structural Plywood, or PS 2-10,
Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels.
All-plywood beams designed and fabricated with these recommendations have been widely used in manufactured
homes. Check with model building code regulatory agencies for acceptance of these methods for construction of
components to be used in other code-complying structural applications.
Presentation of this design method is not intended to preclude further development. Where adequate test data are
available, the design provisions may be appropriately modified. If they are modified, any such change should be noted
when referring to this publication.
The technical data in this Supplement are presented as the basis for design and fabrication of all-plywood beams. For
such design to result in satisfactory service, adequate materials and fabrication are also required. All plywood should
bear the trademark of a certification body, such as APA.
The information contained herein is based on APA’s continuing program of laboratory testing, product research and
comprehensive field experience. Neither APA, nor its members make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume
any legal liability or responsibility for the use, application of, and/or reference to opinions, findings, conclusions or
recommendations included in this publication. Consult your local jurisdiction or design professional to assure compli-
ance with code, construction and performance requirements. Because APA has no control over quality of workmanship
or the conditions under which engineered wood products are used, it cannot accept responsibility for product perfor-
mance or designs as actually constructed.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 3
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
Plywood components are primary structural members which depend on the glued joints to integrate the separate pieces
into an efficient unit capable of carrying high stresses. Materials in these components may be stressed to an apprecia-
bly higher level than in non-engineered construction.
Since improperly designed or fabricated components could constitute a hazard to life and property, it is strongly recom-
mended that components be designed by qualified architects or engineers, using recognized design and fabrication
methods, and that adequate quality control be maintained during manufacture.
To be sure that such quality control has been carefully maintained, we recommend the services of an independent
agency accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation body. A requirement that each unit bear the trademark of
an approved agency will assure adequate independent inspection.
A recent emphasis on the compliance with the Weights and Measures of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) has led to the designation of Performance Category in lieu of nominal panel thickness for wood struc-
tural panels. As an example, a panel formerly identified as 3/8-inch thickness, is now designated as 3/8 Performance
Category. This change has no impact on the design values, use recommendations, and qualification or manufacturing
requirements of the plywood panels.
A change to the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) has been approved that
recognizes this change in the 2012 IBC Section 2303.1.4 and 2012 IRC Section R503.2.1 with the following statement:
The Performance Category value shall be used as the “nominal panel thickness” or “panel thickness” whenever referenced
in this code.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 4
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 5
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
A = The gross area of the splice plate (hs × L s) (in.2); Sections 3.4 and A3.5
A s = Total effective shear area in the web and flanges, regardless of joints (in.2); Sections 6.2, A6.2.2, and A6.2.3
A sw = Total effective shear area in the web, regardless of joints (in.2); Sections 6.2.2 and A6.2.2
A sf = Total effective shear area in the flanges, regardless of joints (in.2); Sections 6.2.2 and A6.2.2
E = Modulus of elasticity on pure bending (used when calculating bending deflection separately from shear
deflection) (psi); Sections 1.5.1, 6.2.1, A1.5, and A6.1
Fb = Allowable stress for bending for all plywood beams ONLY (psi); Sections 1.5, 2, A1.5, and A2.2
Fs = Allowable rolling shear stress for plywood. Note this stress must be reduced 50% for stress concentration at
edges of the panel (psi); Sections 3.4, 4, A1.5, A3.5, and A4
Fv = Allowable stress for shear for all plywood beams ONLY (psi); Sections 1.5, 3, A1.5, and A3.4
G = Shear modulus of the plywood web and flanges (See PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION) (psi); Sections
6.2, 6.2.1, A1.5, and A6.2.3
I n = Net moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all continuous parallel-grain material at the minimum section
containing a web or flange joint (in.4); Sections 2, 2.1, A2.1, and A2.2
If = Moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all continuous parallel-grain material of the flanges used for
calculating In (in.4); Sections 2.1, A2.1, and A3.1
I(flanges) = Moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel-grain material of the flanges regardless of joints used
for calculating It (in.4); Section 3.1
It = Total moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel-grain material in the web and flanges regardless
of joints. Disregard web stiffeners and splice plates (in.4); Sections 3, 3.1, 4, 6.1, A3.1, A3.4, A4, and A6.1
Iw = Moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all continuous parallel-grain material of the web used for calcu-
lating In (in.4); Sections 2.1 and A3.1
I(web) = Moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel-grain material of the web regardless of joints used
for calculating It (in.4); Section 3.1
Iws = Moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all continuous parallel-grain material of the web splice plate
used for calculating In (in.4); Sections 2.1 and A2.1
K = A factor determined by the ratio of the beam dimensions and the ratio of the shear modulus of the web (Qw)
and flanges (Qf ); Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.2.1, A6.2.1, A6.2.3, and Figure 1
L = Clear span of the beam, measured between supports (ft); Sections 2, 6.1, 6.2, A2.2, A6.1, and A6.2.3
L′ = Span reduction permitted for calculating load based on shear stress, equal to the beam clear span minus
two times the depth of the beam (L′ = L – (2hw)/12) (ft); Sections 3, 3.4, 4, A3.4, A3.5, and A4
L s = Length of the splice plate (minimum permitted length = 12 × nominal thickness of the web) (in.);
Section 3.4
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 6
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
Q = Statical moment about the neutral axis of the area of all parallel-grain material in the web and flanges regard-
less of joints, lying above (or below) the neutral axis. Disregard stiffeners or splice plates (in.3); Sections 3,
3.3, A3.3, and A3.4
Q w = Statical moment about the neutral axis of the area of all parallel-grain material in the web regardless of joints,
lying above (or below) the neutral axis. Disregard stiffeners or splice plates (in.3); Sections 3, 3.3, and A3.3
Qf = Statical moment about the neutral axis of the area of all parallel-grain material in the flanges regardless of
joints, lying above (or below) the neutral axis. Disregard stiffeners or splice plates (in.3); Sections 3, 3.3, A3.3,
and A4
b = Effective shear thickness of webs and flanges regardless of joints (in.); use ts from Table 1, Section 6.2.1,
Appendix A, A6.2.1, and Figure 1
c = Distance from neutral axis to extreme fiber in bending. For symmetrical beam cross-sections, this distance
is half of the beam depth (in.); Sections 2 and A2.2
d = Depth or “height” of flanges (in.); Section 2.1, Appendix A, A2.1, A4, A6.2.1, A6.2.2, and Figure 1
hw = Depth or “height” of web (equal to depth or “height” of beam) (in.); Section 2.1, Appendix A, A2.1, A3.1,
A6.2.1, A6.2.2, and Figure 1
hs = Depth or “height” of web splice plate (in.); Section 2.1, Appendix A, and A2.1
r = Ratio of total shear thickness of webs (Σt sw) to the shear thickness of the webs (b), for use in Figure 1;
Sections 6.2.1, A6.2.1, and Figure 1
tb = Thickness for bending stress and bending deflection of all parallel plies per lamination (in.); Table 1,
Sections 1.4, 2, A1.4, A2.1, and A3.1
tbf = Thickness for bending stress and bending deflection of all parallel plies per lamination of the flanges (in.);
use tb from Table 1, Section 2.1
tbs = Thickness for bending stress and bending deflection of all parallel plies per lamination of the web splice
plate (in.); use tb from Table 1, Section 2.1
tbw = Thickness for bending stress and bending deflection of all parallel plies per lamination of the web (in.); use
tb from Table 1, Section 2.1
ts = Effective shear thickness of continuous webs (and/or web splice plates and stiffeners, if applicable) at the
neutral axis of the section (in.); use ts from Table 1, Sections 1.4, 3, 3.1, A1.4, A3.2, A3.4, A6.2.1, A6.2.2, and
Figure 1
tsf = Effective shear thickness of flanges regardless of joints (in.); use ts from Table 1, Sections 6.2.2 and A4
tsw = Effective shear thickness of webs regardless of joints (in.); use ts from Table 1, Sections 6.2.1 and 6.2.2
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 7
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
w = Final total allowable load, based on the smallest of those controlled by bending (wb), horizontal shear (w v)
or rolling shear (wsw) (lbf/ft); Sections 5, 6.1, 6.2, A6.1, and A6.2.3
wb = Total uniform load, based on allowable bending stress (lbf/ft); Sections 2, A2.2, and A5
wsf = Total uniform load, based on allowable flange-web rolling shear stress (lbf/ft); Sections A4 and A5
wsw = Total uniform load, based on allowable rolling shear stress (lbf/ft); Sections 2, A3.5, and A5
w v = Total uniform load, based on allowable horizontal shear stress (lbf/ft); Sections 3, A3.4, and A5
∆ = Total deflection based on bending and shear (in.); Sections 6 and A6.3
∆b = Maximum deflection of a single span beam under uniform load based on bending only (in.); Sections 6.1,
A6.1, and A6.3
∆s = Maximum deflection of a single span beam under uniform load based on shear only (in.); Sections 6.2, A6.2,
A6.2.3, and A6.3
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 8
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
1. General
This method is applicable to beams fabricated in accordance with Part 2, Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams.
1.1 Plywood Grade
Applicable grades include RATED SHEATHING EXP 1, RATED SHEATHING EXT, STRUCTURAL I RATED
SHEATHING EXP 1, and STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING EXT. Panels must be plywood and marked PS 1 or PS 2.
1.2 Plywood Layup
Typical plywood layups are shown in Table 1. Design should be based on the value in boldface for each combination
of thickness and Span Rating, unless another layup is specified and available.
TABLE 1
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 9
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
TABLE 2
Single web,
— — 190
APA RATED SHEATHING EXPOSURE 1, no glued flanges
APA RATED SHEATHING EXTERIOR,
STRUCTURAL I APA RATED SHEATHING EXPOSURE 1, 2 webs or glued
— — 225
STRUCTURAL I APA RATED SHEATHING EXTERIOR flanges top and bottom
For plywood, which is not specified as Structural I or all Group 1, the designer should use Group 1 stresses in combi-
nation with the section properties listed under the heading “All Other.” These values have been adjusted to compensate
for allowable variations in panel makeup, to simplify design procedures.
1.5.1 Modulus of Elasticity in Pure Bending (E)
When calculating the bending deflection of beams separately from shear deflection, it is customary to use the modulus
of elasticity of the materials in pure bending. For plywood, the “bending E” is 10% higher than the effective E values
listed in the PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 10
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
2. Determine Total Load Based on Allowable Web and Flange Bending Stress
For single-span beams under uniform load, the total uniform load, wb, based on allowable bending stress in the web
and flanges, can be calculated from the following formula:
8 FbIn
wb =
12c L2
where:
In = Net moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all continuous parallel-grain material at the minimum section
containing a web or flange joint (in.4). See Section 2.1.
c = Distance from neutral axis to extreme fiber in bending (in.). For symmetrical beam cross-sections, this distance
is half the beam depth.
tb = Thickness of all parallel plies per lamination (in.). Use tb from Table 1.
d, hw, hs = Depth, or “height” of flanges, web and web splice plate (in.).
NOTE: Consider splice plate only if directly glued to the web containing the butt joint.
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Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
It = Total moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel-grain material in the web and flanges, regardless of
joints (in.4). Disregard stiffeners or web splice plates. See Section 3.1.
ts = Effective shear thickness of continuous webs (and/or web splice plates and stiffeners, if applicable) at the neutral
axis of the section (in.). Use ts from Table 1.
Q = Statical moment about the neutral axis of the area of all parallel-grain material in the web and flanges regardless
of joints, lying above (or below) the neutral axis (in.3). Disregard stiffeners or web splice plates. See Section 3.3.
L = Clear span of beam, measured between supports (ft). A value of L′ = L – 2hw /12, where hw equals the height of
the web, may be used if desired.
3.1 Total Moment of Inertia (It)
For symmetrical beams, the total moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel plies in the plywood web and
flanges can be calculated by adding applicable values from the following formulas. Joints in webs and flanges, and
web stiffeners or splice plates, are not considered in calculating It.
Σtbwhw3
Iweb = 12
I
Σtbf [bw3 − (hw − 2d)3]
flange =
12
3.2 Effective Total Web Shear Thickness (ts)
As is true for bending, a number of cross sections must be considered, depending on location of joints in webs and flanges.
The proximity of these sections to end or interior supports must be considered, because shear forces are higher near the
supports. Web joints in single-web beams should be located 24 inches or more from supports. See Part 2, Fabrication
of All-Plywood Beams. Also, in calculating shear, all loads may be ignored that fall within a distance from the support
equal to the beam depth. Therefore, the maximum shear stress for beams with single-layer webs will occur either at an
unreinforced web section, located adjacent to the web stiffener over the support, or at hw from the support. For beams
with multiple-layer webs, the maximum horizontal shear stress will occur at the web joint located nearest to the support.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 12
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
2 Fs A
wsw =
L
where:
wsw = Total uniform load at web splice, based on allowable rolling shear stress (lbf/ft).
Fs = A llowable plywood rolling shear stress (psi). See PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION. NOTE: This stress
must be reduced 50% for stress concentrations at edge of panel. See PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION.
A = The gross area of the splice plate (hs × L s) (in.2) where hs is the depth or “height” of the web splice plate (in.).
L = Clear span of beam, measured between supports (ft). A value of L′ = L – 2hw, where hw equals the height of the
web, may be used if desired.
L s = Length of the splice plate (minimum permitted length = 12 × nominal thickness of the web) (in.).
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Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
4. Determine Total Load Based on Allowable Flange-Web Shear Stress (Fs)
For uniformly loaded, single-span beams with plywood flanges, the maximum flange-web shear stress will occur at
the supports, where shear forces are highest. The total uniform load (ws) based on allowable shear stress between the
web and flange can be calculated from the following formula:
2FsItd
wsf =
Qf L
where:
wsf = Total uniform load at flange/web interface, based on allowable rolling shear stress (lbf/ft).
Fs = Allowable plywood rolling shear stress (psi). This stress must be reduced 50% for stress concentration at the edge
of the panel. See PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION.
It = Total moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel-grain material in the web and flanges, regardless of
joints (in.4). Disregard web stiffeners or splice plates. See Section 3.1.
Qf = Statical moment about the neutral axis of the area of all parallel-grain material in the top or bottom flange, regard-
less of joints (in.3). See Section 3.3.
L = Clear span of beam, measured between supports (ft). A value of L′ = L – 2hw, where hw equals the height of the
web, may be used if desired.
∆b = 5 w L × 1,728
4
384 E It
where:
It = Total moment of inertia about the neutral axis of all parallel-grain material in the web and flanges, regardless of
joints (in.4). Disregard web stiffeners and splice plates. See Section 3.1.
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Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
K = A factor determined by the ratio of the beam dimensions and the ratio of the shear modulus (G) of the web and
flange. See Section 6.2.1.
A s = Total effective shear area in the web and flanges, regardless of joints (in.2).
G = Shear modulus of the plywood web and flanges (psi). See PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION.
NOTE: For derivation of shear-deflection equations, and for other loading conditions or beam configurations, see Forest
Service Research Note FPL-0210. Information in this publication should allow the engineer to handle non-uniform loads,
multiple spans, non-symmetrical beams, and beams whose webs and flanges have different shear or elastic moduli.
6.2.1 Shear Deflection Constant (K)
For symmetrical beams with webs and flanges having equal shear modulus, G, and equal modulus of elasticity, E,
values for K are determined from Figure 1.
Σtsw
For use in Figure 1, r =
b
where:
tsw = Total effective shear thickness of webs, regardless of joints (in.). See Table 1. Disregard web splice plates or
stiffeners.
b = Total effective shear thickness of webs and flanges, regardless of joints (in.). See Table 1.
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Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
FIGURE 1
SHEAR DEFLECTION CONSTANT (K) FOR SYMMETRICAL BEAMS WITH EQUAL SHEAR
MODULI FOR WEB AND FLANGE
2.0
r = .33
tsw hw
1.9
d
1.7
K 1.6
r = .50
1.5
1.4
r = .67
1.3
r = 1.00
1.2
1.15
0 .2 .4 .6 .8 1.0
hw – 2d
hw
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Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
A sw (web) = Σ (tswhw)
A sf (flanges) = Σ (tsf d)
where:
tsf = Effective shear thickness of flanges regardless of joints (in.). See Table 1.
tsw = Effective shear thickness of webs regardless of joints (in.). See Table 1.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 17
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
1. Scope
1.1
This specification covers the fabrication of all-plywood beams. The design and fabrication of these beams is based
on the results of tests which demonstrate compliance with the structural performance requirements of the Federal
Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards as published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD).
1.2
The beams should be designed in accordance with the method suggested in Part 1, Design of All-Plywood Beams. The
latest edition of APA’s PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION should be used where indicated. Other design methods
may be employed, provided they are supported by adequate test data.
1.3
The product use recommendations in this publication are based on APA’s continuing programs of laboratory testing,
product research, and comprehensive field experience. However, because the Association has no control over quality
of workmanship or the conditions under which engineered wood products are used, it cannot accept responsibility
for product performance or designs as actually constructed.
2. Materials
2.1 Plywood
Plywood shall conform to the latest edition of Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09, Structural Plywood, or PS 2-10,
Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels. Each original panel shall bear the trademark of a certifica-
tion body, such as APA. Any precut plywood shall be accompanied by an affidavit from the precutter certifying that
each original panel was of the specified type and grade, and carried the trademark of a certification body, such as APA.
2.1.1
If required by the authority having jurisdiction responsible for design approval or inspection, plywood cut for webs or
flanges shall be accompanied by written confirmation from the cutter certifying that the original plywood panel was
of the specified type and grade, and was stamped with the trademark of a certification body, such as APA.
2.1.2
The recommended plywood grades are RATED SHEATHING EXP 1, RATED SHEATHING EXT, STRUCTURAL I
RATED SHEATHING EXP 1, and STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING EXT. Panels must be marked PS 1 or PS 2.
NOTE: In some instances, plywood of grades other than STRUCTURAL I may have all plies of Group 1 or other spe-
cies group. If specified by design, the plywood shall be accompanied by written confirmation from the plywood manu-
facturer certifying that all plies are of the required species group.
2.1.3
For some designs, a specific plywood layup may be required to satisfy span or load conditions. In these instances, the
plywood shall be accompanied by written confirmation from the plywood manufacturer certifying that it was manu-
factured with the specified layup, subject to PS 1 or PS 2 manufacturing tolerances.
2.1.4
Plywood pieces cut 4-1/2 inches or less in width for flanges shall be visually inspected after cutting for size of knots.
Pieces containing knots in face or back plies larger than two-thirds of the flange width shall not be used in fabricat-
ing flanges for ridge beams.
NOTE: Knot size is determined by (1) a difference in color of limbwood and surrounding trunkwood; (2) an abrupt
change in growth ring width between the knot and bordering trunkwood; and (3) the diameter of circular or oval
shape described by points where checks on the face of a knot that extend radially from its center to its side experience
an abrupt change in direction.
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Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
2.1.5
Surfaces of plywood to be glued shall be dry, clean, and free from oil, dust, paper tape or other materials which would
be detrimental to satisfactory gluing. At the time of gluing, the plywood moisture content shall be 15% or less.
2.2 Adhesive
2.2.1
Adhesive shall be of the type specified by designer for anticipated exposure conditions. Check with regulatory agen-
cies responsible for design approval or inspection for adhesive type requirements.
2.2.2
Interior type adhesive shall confirm to ASTM Specification D3024 or D4689. Exterior type adhesive shall conform to
ASTM Specification D2559.
2.3 Staples
Staples shall be 16 gage or thicker with a minimum 7/16-inch-width crown, made from galvanized steel wire. Staple
length shall be approximately 1/8 inch less than the total thickness of the materials joined.
3. Fabrication
3.1 General
Plywood beams shall be fabricated with adhesive and staples.
3.1.1
Plywood face grain for webs, flanges, web splice plates and stiffeners shall be oriented parallel to the span (i.e.,
horizontally).
3.1.2
Dimensions and tolerances shall be as specified in the design.
3.2 Web and Flange End Joints
3.2.1
End joints in plywood webs and flanges shall be located as specified in the design. Joints in any web or flange lamina-
tion shall be spaced at least 24 inches from the nearest joint in any other lamination.
3.2.2
Butt joints at ends of plywood web or flange pieces shall be trimmed square and tightly butted (maximum gap 1/32 inch).
3.2.3
In single-web beams, joints in webs shall be located at least 24 inches from any end or interior support.
3.3 Adhesive Application
3.3.1
Mixing of the adhesive (if applicable), spreading, storage-, pot-, and working-life, and assembly time and temperature
shall be in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations.
3.3.2
Adhesive shall be spread uniformly over the full contact area of mating web and/or flange surfaces. Application by
roller, notched trowel or spray equipment is recommended to ensure complete adhesive coverage. The adhesive may
be spread on one or both mating surfaces.
3.3.3
Unless otherwise specified by the adhesive manufacturer, an adhesive spread rate of approximately 1.7 gallons per 100
square feet of glued area is suggested.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 19
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
3.3.4
When web or flange laminations are glued under pressure, such pressure shall be applied by clamping or other mechani-
cal means. Pressure shall be sufficient to provide well contact and ensure good glue bonds (100 to 150 psi is suggested,
unless otherwise specified by the adhesive manufacturer). Movement of the members shall be prevented until the
adhesive develops sufficient handling strength, as recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.
3.3.5
In any case, it shall be the responsibility of the fabricator to produce an adhesive bond which meets or exceeds
applicable specifications.
3.4 Staple Installation
3.4.1
Staples shall be installed with their crowns parallel to the plywood face-grain direction. Staple spacing shall be as shown
in Figure 2. Staple crowns shall not penetrate the surface of the plywood greater than the thickness of the surface ply.
3.4.2
Hand pressure may be needed during stapling to flatten plywood webs and flanges, to ensure uniform contact between
mating glued surfaces.
3.4.3
Installation of staples may start at any point, but shall progress to the end or ends of each piece.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 20
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
FIGURE 2
STAPLE SPACING FOR PLYWOOD WEBS, FLANGES, SPLICE PLATES AND STIFFENERS(a)
6" o.c.
3" o.c.
Web (splice) 16 ga. staples (crown Web (stiffener) 16 ga. staples (crown
parallel to face grain) parallel to face grain)
3"
3"o.c.
o.c.
Flange
16 ga. staples (crown
parallel to face grain)
1" (typical)
6" o.c.
(a) Staple location tolerances shall be ± 1 inch for field spacings and ± 1/2 inch for edge distances, unless otherwise specified in the design.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 21
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
5. Identification
5.1 General
If required, beams shall be identified as specified by the authority having jurisdiction responsible for design approval
or inspection.
5.2 Unsymmetrical Beams
If the beam is designed such that it must be installed with a specific orientation, the top edge shall be clearly marked
so that the proper orientation can be verified during in-plant inspection of the construction.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 22
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
1. APA – The Engineered Wood Association. Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams. APA Research Report 124-A.
Tacoma, Washington.
2. APA – The Engineered Wood Association. Plywood Design Specification. Tacoma, Washington.
3. American Wood Council. ANSI/AWC National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS). Leesburg, Virginia.
4. APA – The Engineered Wood Association. All-Plywood Beams for Mobile Homes. APA Research Report 124. Tacoma,
Washington.
5. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.
Washington, D.C.
6. International Code Council. International Building Code (IBC). Country Club Hills, Illinois.
7. International Code Council. International Residential Code (IRC). Country Club Hills, Illinois.
8. US Department of Commerce. Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09, Structural Plywood. Available from APA, Tacoma,
Washington.
9. US Department of Commerce. Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-10, Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-
Use Panels. Available from APA, Tacoma, Washington.
10. USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Simplified Method for Calculating Shear Deflection in Beams. Forest Products
Laboratory Research Note FPL-210. Madison, Wisconsin.
11. APA – The Engineered Wood Association. Technical Note: Fastener Loads for Plywood Ridge Beam Connections, Form
M320. Tacoma, Washington.
12. ASTM International. Performance Specification Protein-Base Adhesives for Structural Laminated Wood Products for Use
Under Interior (Dry Use) Exposure Conditions (Withdrawn 1990). ASTM D3024. West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
13. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Adhesive, Casine-Type. ASTM D4689. West Conshohocken,
Pennsylvania.
14. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Adhesives for Bonded Structural Wood Products for Use Under Exterior
Exposure Conditions. ASTM D2559. West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 23
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
Since this plywood has been specified as having all plies of Group 1 species, however, it is eligible for a basic stress of
75 psi. This stress must be reduced 50% in accordance with PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICATION for stress concen-
tration at the edge of the panel, but may be increased by 15% for snow-load duration.
E = 1,815,000 psi
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 24
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
A2. Determine Total Load Based on Allowable Web and Flange Bending Stress
A2.1 Net Moment of Inertia (In) (Part 1, Section 2.1)
For this design example, the following beam cross-sections are possible at
web or flange joint locations:
A2.2 Calculate Total Load Based on Allowable Web and Flange Bending Stress (wb)
(Part 1, Section 2)
8 FbIn 8 × 3800 × 540
wb = = = 199 lbf/ft
12c L2 23.875
12 × × 242
2
end support. Total t s, therefore, equals 0.707 inch (Case I). The
design method permits ignoring all loads within a distance from either support equal to hw. Since clear span is given
as 24 ft, the effective length for calculating w v is 24 ft, less 2 ft at each end, or 20 ft.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 25
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
A3.3 Statical Moment of Area of Parallel Plies (Q) (Part 1, Section 3.3)
Σtb h2w 0.289 × 23.8752
Qw (web) = = = 20.6 in.3
8 8
NOTE: If a higher total load were required, the length of the web stiffener could be extended until the horizontal shear
stress in the unreinforced web was within allowable limits.
A3.5 Calculate Total Load Based on Allowable Web Splice Plate Shear Stress (wsw)
(Part 1, Section 3.4)
2 FsA 2 × 43.1 × 0.594 × 12 × 15.875
wsw = = = 488 lbf/ft
L′ 20
NOTE: This calculation assumes that web butt joints are located 24 inches from end supports (minimum distance in
accordance with Part 1, Section 3.2) and splice plate length is 12 times nominal thickness of web.
A4. Calculate Total Load Based on Allowable Flange-Web Shear Stress (wsf ) (Rolling Shear)
(Part 1, Section 4)
2 FsIt d 2 × 43.1 × 772 × 3.75
wsf = = = 572 lbf/ft
QfL′ 21.8 × 20
where:
Therefore, the uniform-load capacity for the beam used in this design example is limited by the bending stress. The
total allowable load for design is 199 lbf/ft.
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 26
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
A s = 27.5 in.2
Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 27
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams
The APA or APA EWS trademark appears only on engineered wood products manufactured by members of
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Engineered Wood Rim Boards, or with a manufacturer’s building code evaluation report or APA Product Report
(www.apawood.org/ProductReports).
APA’s services go far beyond quality testing and inspection. Research and promotion programs play important
roles in developing and improving construction systems using wood structural panels, glulam, I-joists, and
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Form No. H815G ■ © 2014 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org 28
Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5–12:
Design and Fabrication of
Plywood Curved Panels
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